A captain of the Los Angeles County Fire Department faces felony charges after accusing him of forging labor injuries and forging a doctor’s fraudulent declaration of thousands of dollars of disability payment notes.
Thomas Merryman, 45, was allegedly awarded more than $25,000 in insurance for labor injuries because he was not at work because he was not at work, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors said he allegedly submitted fake documents in the name of another fire captain and a physician, allowing him to request a long-term disability payment.
Prosecutors said Mayman is currently believed to reside in Georgetown, Texas and is charged with one count of felony insurance fraud, one felony, false charges and two counts of felony forgery. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Los Angeles on September 9.
Authorities say he will face up to five years of state prison if charged.
The District Attorney’s Office statement provided no additional information about Merriman’s history, or his current employment status. According to Transparent California, the database tracks payments to public officials, who are the same name and have been identified as captain of the Los Angeles County Fire, with a total salary of $178,466 and receiving $112,687 in 2024.
Los Angeles County District, “Under my watch, forged disability statements will not tolerate, especially the first responder accused of keeping our county safe.” Artie. Nathan Hochman said in a statement. “False health care claims raise premiums, making it more difficult for people with legitimate work injuries to claim benefits. My message to civil servants who abuse the system is clear: we are looking at you.”
